World Athletics brings air quality into the running spotlight in Warsaw | News | Athletics Better World | World Athletics
World Athletics brings air quality into the running spotlight in Warsaw | News | Athletics Better World World Athletics
sdgtalks
Running for Clean Air Project in Warsaw, Poland
In March 2024, World Athletics launched the project “Running for Clean Air” in collaboration with local partners in Warsaw, Poland. The aim of this project is to raise awareness about air quality’s impact on human health and running performance. The project involves the deployment of an air quality monitor in one of the city parks in Warsaw, which will measure air quality for a period of six months. The project will culminate with dynamic air quality monitoring during the Warsaw City Marathon in September 2024.
Partners and Objectives
- World Athletics
- Warsaw Marathon Foundation
- Polish Athletics
- City of Warsaw
The project aims to enhance air quality monitoring near places where people engage in sports activities and increase awareness of the impact of air quality on individuals during exercise. Magdalena Młochowska, the Deputy Director from the City of Warsaw, states, “The goal of installing an air quality monitor in one of our central city parks is to enhance air quality monitoring near places where people do sports, and to increase awareness of air quality impact on individuals during exercises.”
Measurement and Reporting
The air quality monitor will be installed in a park that is well connected with all its parts by public transport and is commonly used for leisure activities. The air quality index and heat stress index will be accessible online to anyone with a link, making it widely accessible and easy to understand. Additionally, the World Athletics’ Health and Science Department will produce monthly analytical reports.
Impact on Running Community
The project will kick off on 24 March with the Warsaw half marathon, organized by the Warsaw Marathon Foundation. Marek Tronina, CEO of the Warsaw Marathon Foundation, emphasizes the importance of clean air for the health of the general population and expresses the desire to motivate global running communities to take action on this matter.
The project will continue until the Warsaw Marathon on 29 September 2024. Dynamic air quality monitoring will be conducted during the marathon to map the marathon route.
Polish Athletics’ Perspective
Hubert T Trochimowicz, ESG & Development Consultant from Polish Athletics, highlights the significance of connecting physical activity with air quality. Polish Athletics advocates for a healthy lifestyle and aims to understand the conditions in which people in Warsaw exercise in order to improve them and attract more people to the sport.
Running for Clean Air Initiative
Running for Clean Air is an initiative by World Athletics, funded by the Clean Air Fund. Its objective is to address air pollution in urban areas. The initiative collaborates with local stakeholders to measure hyper-local air quality and shares the data through a large awareness campaign. City marathons serve as the key platform to leverage existing running communities, spark positive transformations within cities, and increase awareness of air quality issues. Visit the project website to learn more.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article addresses the issue of air pollution and its impact on human health and running performance. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being. Additionally, the article mentions the project’s aim to enhance air quality monitoring near places where people do sports, which aligns with SDG 11’s goal of creating sustainable cities and communities. Lastly, the project’s objective of addressing air pollution relates to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
The article highlights the project’s goal of raising awareness about air quality’s impact on human health, which aligns with SDG 3.9. The project also aims to improve air quality monitoring near places where people do sports, contributing to SDG 11.6. Lastly, by addressing air pollution, the project supports SDG 13.1 in strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress towards the Identified Targets
- Air quality index
- Heat stress index
- Analytical reports on air quality
The article mentions that the air quality monitor installed in the Warsaw city park will provide an air quality index and heat stress index that can be accessed online. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards improving air quality and reducing the impact of air pollution on human health. Additionally, the World Athletics’ Health and Science Department will produce analytical reports on air quality on a monthly basis, providing further insights into the progress made.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Air quality index – Heat stress index |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Air quality index – Heat stress index – Analytical reports on air quality |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Air quality index – Heat stress index – Analytical reports on air quality |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: worldathletics.org
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
